Former Partizan Belgrade and Galatasaray midfielder Dževad Prekazi has died, prompting tributes from the two European clubs where he made his mark as a football legend.
Partizan confirmed his death in a statement on Sunday, November 8, describing the former midfielder as a legendary player. Prekazi represented the Serbian club between 1976 and 1983, making 175 appearances and scoring 23 goals.
During his seven-year spell, he won three Yugoslav league titles in the 1975/76, 1977/78 and 1982/83 seasons, as well as the Mitropa Cup in 1978. The club said he remained closely attached to Partizan, which he continued to regard as his second home even after leaving Belgrade.
After departing Partizan, Prekazi joined Croatian side Hajduk Split before moving to Turkey, where he played for Galatasaray, Altay and Bakırköyspor.
His most successful period in Turkey came at Galatasaray, where he played between 1985 and 1991, scoring 40 goals in 185 appearances. His creativity, powerful left foot and exceptional free-kick ability made him a favourite among the club’s supporters.
He also helped Galatasaray secure consecutive Turkish league titles in the 1986/87 and 1987/88 seasons. One of his most memorable performances came in the 1988/89 European Champion Clubs’ Cup quarter-final against Swiss side Neuchâtel Xamax.
After Galatasaray lost the first leg 3-0 away from home, Prekazi produced a stunning performance in the return fixture, scoring an extraordinary free-kick from about 40 metres as the Turkish side overturned the deficit to reach the semi-finals.
Galatasaray also paid tribute to the former midfielder, describing him as someone who had written his name in golden letters in the club’s history.
The club said his unforgettable goals, character and the joy he brought to supporters would ensure he remained in their hearts, adding that he would never be forgotten.
Born in Mitrovica, in present-day Kosovo, Prekazi also represented the former Yugoslavia at Under-21 level. Partizan said details of his funeral would be announced later, concluding its tribute with the words: “Preki, thank you for everything. Rest in peace.”
